To make a quilt is to capture a memory. With just a few simple steps, this quilt will hold memories for a lifetime. Friends Billie Lauder and Alex Anderson demonstrate the simplicity of this 1930s block featuring signatures that was discovered in a 1934 Kansas City Star newspaper (
figure A).
Things to consider
What a great block to be taken to a family or school reunion. Consider the number of names when determining the size for each block. This quilt might be put together in stages by starting with just a few blocks and adding along the way, or have the blocks completed ahead of time and during the reunion, pass the blocks around to be signed. Have no time but a great event coming up? Make it even more simple by taking along muslin fabric for signatures and incorporate into a quilt later down the road. Just remember to figure in the 1/4-inch seam allowances.
Materials:
light and dark fabric
rotary cutter and mat
permanent/washable ink pen
embroidery floss - optional
freezer paper
stencil - optional
Steps:
Cutting instructions (one 9-inch block)
From light fabric cut:
- two 3-7/8 inch squares to be cut in half to create corner triangles
- one 3-1/2 inch center square
- four 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" rectangles
From dark fabric cut:
- two 3-7/8 inch squares to be cut in half to create corner triangles
- eight 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" rectangles
Basic construction
1. Sew the units together according to the diagram (figure B) to create nine completed units (unit "D" to "A"; unit "E" to "C " to "E" and so forth). It is possible to strip piece this block together (figure C).
2. Next, stitch combined units together to create three strip units. Press each strip in the opposite direction to create a nesting (figure D). This will help the pieces to lay flat during the quilting process. Stitch the three units together to create a finished block.
Signatures
Traditional signatures were completed with a running or chain stitch using two to three strands of embroidery floss. Another alternative to embroidery floss would to use be a permanent/washable ink pen. To be really precise, draw lines on a piece of freezer paper and iron the freezer paper to the backside of the muslin block. Use the lines as a guide for writing the name on the muslin block.
If desired, use stencils to enhance a signature block (figure E). Find these at quilt shows, local quilt shops or craft supply stores. A make-up sponge with permanent stencil ink or a permanent ink pen can be used to transfer the stencil image onto the muslin piece.
Guests Billie Lauder
International Quilt Instructor
Website:
www.easymade.com
Also in this Episode
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